Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Vaccine Schedule: Vaccines for Children by Age

  What Is a Vaccine Schedule? One way to help protect your child from serious diseases is by following the childhood vaccine schedule.  This schedule shows what vaccines (immunizations) are given at what age, starting from birth. The schedule is from the American Academy of Pediatrics and helps make sure your child gets the right vaccines…

• Vaccine Safety: Common Questions

  Vaccines (or immunizations) are carefully tested to make sure they’re safe for everyone. Even after vaccines are approved, experts keep watching them to make sure they stay safe. Learn why millions of people trust them to help protect people from serious diseases. How Are Vaccines Studied and Improved? Before a new vaccine is used, it…

• Sexual Development

  Big physical and emotional changes happen during puberty and the teen years. These articles can help you become a source of information, comfort, and support for your kids.

• Birth Control: Abstinence

  Abstinence is the only form of birth control that is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Abstinence also protects people against STDs.

• Birth Control: Birth Control Rings

  Talking to your kids about sex can be daunting. But discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or contracting an STD.

• Birth Control: Cervical Caps

  The cervical cap covers the cervix so sperm can't get in and fertilize an egg. It's not usually recommended for most young women and teens because it can be very hard to insert correctly.

• Birth Control: Condoms

  Condoms are thin pouches that keep sperm from getting into the vagina. There are male condoms and female condoms.

• Birth Control: Diaphragms

  A diaphragm may be a birth control good option for young women who can take responsibility in advance. Find out more.

• Birth Control: Emergency Contraception

  Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex; for example, if a condom breaks or slips off during sex.

• Birth Control: Fertility Awareness

  Fertility awareness is a way to try to prevent pregnancy by not having sex around the time of ovulation. It is not a reliable birth control method for most people.

• Birth Control: IUDs

  An IUD is a piece of T-shaped plastic placed inside the uterus. It's a good birth control option because it lasts for many years, needs no daily care, and is very effective at preventing pregnancy.

• Birth Control: Implantable Contraception

  Learn what implantable contraception is, how well it works, and more.

• Birth Control: Spermicide

  Spermicides should be used with another birth control method, such as condoms or a diaphragm. They be used alone but are not very effective that way.

• Birth Control: The Birth Control Shot

  The birth control shot is an injection a female gets every 3 months to help prevent pregnancy. Find out more.

• Birth Control: The Patch

  Find out about this method of birth control, including how well it works and possible side effects.

• Birth Control: The Pill

  Discussing issues like abstinence, STDs, and birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD. The birth control pill (also called "the Pill") is a daily pill that is taken to prevent pregnancy.

• Birth Control: What Parents Need to Know

  Talking to your kids about sex can be a challenge. But discussing issues like birth control can help lower teens' risk of unintended pregnancy or getting an STD.

• Birth Control: Withdrawal

  Even for people who think they are doing it correctly, withdrawal is not an effective way to prevent pregnancy.

• Communication and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old

  Teens spend much of the day outside the home, but it's important that you take time every day to talk with your teen to share opinions, ideas, and information.

• Communication and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old

  Communicating with our kids is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding parts of parenting. Learn how to connect with your 4- to 5-year-old.

• Communication and Your 6- to 12-Year-Old

  Communicating with a child is one of the most pleasurable and rewarding experiences for both parent and child. Learn how to connect with your 6- to 12-year-old.

• Assistive Devices: Positioning Aids (Slideshow)

  Kids with special needs have many options when it comes to supportive seats. View this slideshow to see what's available.

• Assistive Devices: Walking and Mobility (Slideshow)

  Kids who have trouble walking have many options when it comes to getting around. View the slideshow below to learn more.

• Learning, Play, and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old

  Your baby is learning more about the world through play and is beginning to use words. Keep those toys and games coming!

• Your Child’s Development: 2 Years (24 Months)

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 2.5 Years (30 Months)

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 3 Years

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing.

• Growth and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old

  Kids who are 4 to 5 years old continue to learn in a very physical way, but are more focused than when they were younger.

• Growth and Your 6- to 12-Year-Old

  As kids grow from grade-schoolers to preteens, there continues to be a wide range of "normal" as far as height, weight, and shape.

• Your Child’s Development (Birth to 5 Years Old)

  Doctors use milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some kids gain skills earlier or later than others. Here's what to expect as your child grows.

• Your Child’s Development: 1.5 Years (18 Months)

  Doctors use milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Your Child’s Development: 15 Months

  Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a child is developing as expected. Here are some things your toddler may be doing this month.

• Growth and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old

  Kids entering puberty will undergo many changes in their developing bodies. Find out more about what to expect.

• Colic

  Colic is common in babies - but that doesn't make it easier for parents to handle. Learn what colic is, what causes it, and what you can do about it.

• Understanding Puberty

  Puberty was awkward enough when you were the one going through it. So how can you help your kids through all the changes?

• Definition: Polyuria

  A person with polyuria makes large amounts of urine.

• Definition: Retinopathy

  Retinopathy is the medical term for disease of the retina.

• Definition: Urinalysis

  A urinalysis is a laboratory examination of a person's urine.

• Diabetes Movie

  What is diabetes and how does it affect the body? Watch this video to find out!

• Diabetes: Dealing With Feelings

  If your child has diabetes, you may spend a lot of time thinking about the physical effects. But it's also important to understand the emotional issues surrounding a diabetes diagnosis.

• 3-Day Food Diary

  If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record what he or she eats over a 3-day period.

• Blood Glucose Record

  If your child has diabetes, you can use this printable sheet to record his or her blood glucose levels.

• Definition: Glucagon

  Glucagon is a hormone that raises the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood.

• Definition: Glucose

  Glucose is the main type of sugar in the blood and is the major source of energy for the body's cells.

• Definition: Glycemic Index

  The glycemic index measures how fast and how much a food raises blood glucose levels.

• Definition: Glycogen

  When the body doesn't need to use the glucose for energy, it stores it in the liver and muscles. This stored form of glucose is made up of many connected glucose molecules and is called glycogen.

• Definition: Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (Hemoglobin A1c)

  The glycosylated hemoglobin test shows what a person's average blood glucose level was for the 2 to 3 months before the test. This can help determine how well a person's diabetes is being controlled over time.

• Definition: Hormones

  Hormones are chemical substances that act like messenger molecules in the body.

• Definition: Hyperglycemia

  Hyperglycemia occurs when the level of glucose in the blood is higher than it should be.

• Definition: Hypoglycemia

  Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of glucose in the blood is lower than it should be.

• Definition: Insulin

  Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood.

• Definition: Insulin Injections

  Although researchers are testing other ways to give insulin, it's only available now in a form that must be injected just under the skin.

• Definition: Insulin Pump

  An insulin pump is an insulin-delivering device that's used by some people with diabetes.

• Definition: Insulin Resistance

  Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn't respond as well to the insulin that the pancreas is making and glucose is less able to enter the cells.

• Definition: Islet Cells

  The pancreas contains clusters of cells that produce hormones. These clusters are known as islets.

• Definition: Ketoacidosis

  Ketoacidosis is a severe life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness.

• Definition: Ketones

  When fats are broken down for energy, chemicals called ketones appear in the blood and urine.

• Definition: Kidney

  The kidneys are a pair of organs that are found on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage in the back.

• Definition: Nephropathy

  Nephropathy is a medical term for kidney disease.

• Definition: Neuropathy

  Neuropathy is a medical term for disease of the nervous system.

• Definition: Pancreas

  The pancreas is a long, flat gland that lies in the abdomen behind the stomach.

• Definition: Pediatric Endocrinologist

  A pediatric endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children with diseases of the endocrine system, such as diabetes and growth disorders.

• Definition: Polydipsia

  A person with polydipsia drinks excessive amounts of fluid.

• Definition: Polyphagia

  A person with polyphagia eats excessive amounts of food.

• Definition: Autoimmunity

  Sometimes the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the body's own tissues or organs. This is called autoimmunity.

• Definition: Beta Cells

  Beta cells are cells that make insulin.

• Definition: Blood Glucose Level

  The blood glucose level is the amount of glucose in the blood.

• Definition: Blood Glucose Meter

  A blood glucose meter is a small, portable machine that's used to measure how much glucose (a type of sugar) is in the blood.

• Definition: Bolus

  For a person with diabetes, a bolus is a dose of insulin taken to handle a rise in blood glucose.

• Definition: Carbohydrate

  All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream.

• Definition: Carbohydrate Counting

  Many people with diabetes use carbohydrate ("carb") counting to estimate the amount of carbohydrate in the foods they eat.

• Definition: Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs)

  Certified diabetes educators are health care professionals who specialize in treating people with diabetes.

• Definition: Diabetes

  Diabetes is a condition that happens when the body can't use glucose (a type of sugar) normally.

• Definition: Exchange Meal Plan

  Many people with diabetes use a food-balancing program called the exchange meal plan to guide what they eat each day.

• Definition: Fats

  The body uses fat as a fuel source, and fat is the major storage form of energy in the body.

• Definition: Fatty Acids

  Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat.

• Splenectomies

  A splenectomy is surgery to remove an injured spleen.

• Elective Surgery

  Elective surgery means you and the doctor decide when the it will happen. Many elective surgeries are important, potentially life-changing operations. Here's how to plan for them.

• Helping Kids Take Medicine

  Try these tips to get kids to take "yucky" medicines.

• How to Safely Give Ibuprofen

  What kind? How much? How often? Find out how to give this pain medicine.

• How to Safely Store and Dispose of Medicines

  Part of using medicines safely is knowing how to store them and how to get rid of them after they expire or are no longer needed.

• Pharmacogenetics: How Genetic Testing Can Guide Medicine Decisions

  Pharmacogenetics, also called pharmacogenomics, is the study of how our genes affect our response to some, but not all, medicines.

• Precision Medicine

  Precision medicine is a new way to treat and prevent illnesses. It uses the differences in a person's genes, environment, and lifestyle to customize care.

• Sedation

  Sedation is the use of medicines to help someone relax and not feel pain during a medical procedure.

• Giving Opioid Prescription Pain Medicine: What Parents Need to Know

  If your child’s health care provider prescribed a prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid, you probably have many questions about how to use it safely. Get answers here.

• The Lymphatic System & Lymphatic Conditions

  The body's lymphatic system keeps fluid levels in balance and defends against infections. But problems can happen. Learn about lymphatic conditions and how they're treated.

• Acupuncture

  Acupuncture is the practice of putting tiny needles into specific spots of the body for medical therapy. Scientific evidence shows that it works for some kinds of medical conditions by stimulating the body to release natural pain killers and other chemicals.

• Anesthesia

  Knowing the basics of anesthesia may help answer your questions and ease some concerns — both yours and your child's.

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine

  Complementary and alternative medicine are types of medicine and healing that differ from conventional medicine. They include things like mind–body therapies, nutritional therapies, body-based therapies, and whole medicine systems.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery

  Minimally invasive surgery is a type of procedure done with smaller incisions (cuts).

• Managing Home Health Care

  When kids need intensive health care after they're discharged from the hospital, family and caregivers should learn about the devices, equipment, and support they'll need.

• Palliative Care

  Palliative care provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support to sick children and their families.

• Caring for Your Child With Cerebral Palsy (CP): Ages 6–12

  If you have a school-age child with cerebral palsy, there's a lot to know. This checklist makes it easy to find out what programs and services may be available to you.

• Caring for Your Teen With Cerebral Palsy (CP): Age 13 and Up

  If your teen has cerebral palsy, there's a lot to know. This checklist makes it easy to determine what programs and services might be needed as your teen nears adulthood.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disease. It's a physical condition that also can also affect a person emotionally.

• Clinical Trials

  Deciding to enroll your child in a clinical study will depend on its potential benefits and risks, as well as your child's particular illness. Learn more.

• Diabetes: When to Call the Doctor

  Caring for a child with diabetes includes knowing when to get medical help. Learn more about when to call the doctor.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 19 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 19.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Years (24 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the second year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2.5 Years (30 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing at this age.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 20 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 20.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 21 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 21.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 3 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the third year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 4 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fourth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 5 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the fifth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the sixth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 7 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the seventh year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 8 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the eighth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by 9 months old.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the ninth year.

• Your Child’s Checkups

  These age-specific guides can help you be prepared for and keep track of your well-child visits.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Year (12 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first birthday.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1.5 Years (18 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 18 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 10 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by age 10.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 11 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 11.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 12 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 12.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 13 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 13.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 14 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 14.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your toddler might be doing by 15 months.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 15.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 16 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 16.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 17 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 17.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 18 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 18.

• X-Ray Exam: Neck

  A neck X-ray can help doctors diagnose many conditions, including stridor, croup, hoarseness due to swelling in or near the airways, and problems with tonsils and adenoids.

• X-Ray Exam: Scoliosis

  Kids with scoliosis have a spine that curves, like an S or a C. If scoliosis is suspected, a doctor may order X-rays to measure the curvature of the spine.

• Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

  A VCUG can help evaluate the bladder's size and shape, and look for problems, such as a blockage. It can also show whether pee is moving in the right direction.

• Wound Drainage Culture

  Doctors order wound drainage cultures when they suspect wounds are infected.

• X-Ray Exam: Abdomen

  An abdominal X-ray can help find the cause of problems such as pain, kidney stones, intestinal blockage, a hole in the intestine, or an abdominal mass such as a tumor.

• Types of Blood Tests

  Blood tests help doctors check how the body’s organs — such as the kidneys, liver, and thyroid, and heart — are working, and see if medical treatments are helpful. Here are some that kids might get.

• Ultrasound: Abdomen

  Doctors order abdominal ultrasounds when they're concerned about symptoms such as belly pain, repeated vomiting, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, or a swollen belly.

• Ultrasound: Bladder

  Doctors order bladder ultrasounds when there's a concern about bladder problems, such as difficulty urinating or daytime wetting.

• Ultrasound: Head

  Doctors order head ultrasounds when there's a concern about neurological problems in an infant.

• Ultrasound: Infant Hip

  Doctors order a hip ultrasound when they suspect a problem called developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

• Ultrasound: Pelvis

  A pelvic ultrasound can detect tumors or cysts and help diagnose pelvic pain, some urinary problems, or abnormal menstrual bleeding.

• Ultrasound: Renal (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder)

  A renal ultrasound makes images of your child's kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Doctors may order this test if they suspect kidney damage, cysts, tumors, kidney stones, or complications from urinary tract infections.

• Ultrasound: Scrotum

  Doctors order a scrotal ultrasound when they're concerned about symptoms such as scrotal pain or swelling.

• Ultrasound: Transcranial Doppler

  A transcranial Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to evaluate blood flow (blood circulation) in and around the brain. Doctors order this test to check blood vessels when a problem is affecting blood flow to the brain.

• Ultrasounds

  An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images from the inside the body. Here are some types of ultrasounds often done.

• Urine Test: 24-Hour Analysis for Kidney Stones

  This test can show if certain substances are found at high concentrations in the urine, and might be causing kidney stones.

• Urine Test: Automated Dipstick Urinalysis

  Automated dipstick urinalysis results may point to a urinary tract infection (UTI) or injury, kidney disease, or diabetes.

• Urine Test: Calcium

  A urine calcium test can help monitor or determine the cause of kidney stones and other kidney diseases, or detect overactivity or underactivity in the parathyroid glands.

• Urine Test: Creatinine

  Low levels of creatinine in the urine may point to a kidney disease, certain muscular and neuromuscular disorders, or an obstruction of the urinary tract.

• Urine Test: Dipstick

  A urine dipstick test is often done as part of an overall urinalysis. The results of this test can help doctors diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease, diabetes, or a urinary tract injury.

• Urine Test: Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio

  The microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio test is most commonly used to screen for kidney problems in teens with diabetes. It may also be used to monitor kidney function in kids and teens who have a kidney disease.

• Urine Test: Microscopic Urinalysis

  A microscopic urinalysis can help detect a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney problems, diabetes, or a urinary tract injury.

• Urine Test: Protein

  The urine protein test is most commonly used to screen for kidney disease and also can help monitor kidney function.

• Urine Test: Routine Culture

  A urine culture is used to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) and find out what kinds of germs are causing it.

• Sleep Study (Polysomnogram)

  A sleep study (or polysomnogram) helps doctors diagnose sleep problems. It is an overnight test that can record a variety of body functions while a child sleeps.

• Spinal Cord Injuries

  A spinal cord injury is when the spinal cord gets cut, bruised, stretched, or poked. It can change the way the body moves, feels, and functions.

• Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)

  Find out how and why doctors perform lumbar punctures (spinal taps).